RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ/Stanley News Release) – A Virginia antibullying law called ‘Autumn’s Law’ was introduced by Senator Bill Stanley (R-7) Tuesday, January 20.
‘Autumn’s Law’ was named after Autumn Bushman, a Roanoke County 10-year-old girl who died by suicide in 2025.
The legislation creates a new criminal offense in Virginia Code Section 18.2-56.01, making aggravated bullying and aggravated cyberbullying against students a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Aggravated bullying is defined as any act of bullying that is intentionally directed at the victim for the purpose of placing the victim in reasonable fear of bodily injury or death, provoking a breach of the peace, or inciting violence, or that is intentionally directed at the victim based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, mental health condition, or appearance and has the effect of interfering with the victim’s ability to attend, engage in, or benefit from educational opportunities.
The legislation amends Virginia Code Section 22.1-279.3:1 to require principals to immediately report any incident of aggravated bullying or aggravated cyberbullying occurring on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity to local law enforcement, removing discretion and ensuring criminal investigation of the most serious cases.
School board codes of student conduct must include prohibitions against aggravated bullying and aggravated cyberbullying with detailed reporting procedures, clear and escalating disciplinary consequences including expulsion when necessary, citations to the criminal penalties, and information on civil rights of action and remedies available to victims.
Schools must also provide lists of support services and resources available to victims, including mental health support services.
The legislation preserves First Amendment protections and is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views provided such expression does not cause actual material disruption of school work.
Copyright 2026 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
